Laura Wangsness Willemsen, a former associate professor and Fulbright scholar with global engagement research spanning from Tanzania to Cambodia, has spent over 30 years bridging Minnesota and the global community. She joined University of Minnesota Extension this year as its director of global initiatives.
What does a director of global initiatives do?
I think of myself as a matchmaker and bridge builder.
University of Minnesota Extension has long-standing international relationships, like our productive partnerships with Morocco going back to the Green Revolution era, our health-focused work in Guatemala, and our collaboration with universities in Kenya.
Part of my role is stewarding our international partnerships, but our global work doesn’t have to cross borders. You don’t need a passport to do global work in Extension.
Minnesota’s economy, agriculture, diaspora communities, tribal nations and organizations are already globally connected. I help Extension recognize this, connect us with relevant resources, and help make our global partnerships more intentional and productive wherever they are.
